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Traces on Wall After Plastering & Painting: Wire Insulation & Solutions for Wire Visibility

daniel92-m 22356 19
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Why do cable routes become visible through plaster and paint, and how can I prevent or hide them?

The traces usually appear because the cable is laid too close to the surface and the plaster cover is too thin, so better wire insulation alone will not fix it [#16697434][#16698075][#16600664] The thread says the cable should be covered by at least 5 mm of plaster, and one case showed visibility when only about 3 mm was applied [#16698075][#16698140] Another explanation is that gypsum plaster can highlight warmer, heavily loaded circuits, so temperature differences can make the line show through [#16698080] To hide existing marks, paint the area with a stain-blocking/priming coat such as white matte oil paint or a primer like unigrunt, then repaint in the wall color [#16697434][#16700651] The long-term fix is to cut deeper furrows or add another plaster layer so the cables are properly buried before finishing [#16698140]
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  • #1 16697133
    daniel92-m
    Level 7  
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    Hello. My question is: Is there a specific reason for the appearance of such traces of wires on the wall after plastering and painting? Do you have a solution for this? Is it enough to use wires with better insulation?
    Kind regards and thanks
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  • #2 16697142
    karolark
    Level 42  
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    Traces? something closer to the discoloration cavity?
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  • #3 16697152
    kkas12
    Level 43  
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    My fellow furrow.
    Just carve a furrow and lay the wires in it.
  • #4 16697434
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics  
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    The reason is too thin a layer of plaster covering the cable, and thus too shallow furrows for the cables.
    Now, to get rid of it, paint the places transparent with white matte oil paint, and then ordinary in the color of the walls.
  • #6 16697992
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
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    Łukasz-O wrote:
    too shallow lines for wires


    And why too shallow furrow and not too thin layer of plaster :?: Yes, I ask because I have recently talked with the client and from word to word I ask him if we are furling under the wires and he says that not because he would probably have to pay expensive for the whole service, in fact, no one will cut walls free. I suspect that after my work there may be a situation that the USMP will emerge from the plaster as it used to be .... and whose electrician's fault was that he did not want to cram the wires for free, the plasterer that came off the price saving on material or an investor who unfortunately wanted save :?: Unfortunately, the effect is such that the electrician collapsed because he laid the wires on the wall without shoeing but is it right ...
    Another issue is the quality of the cables of unknown origin.

    By the way, there are special paints for greasy stains and stains that give advice in this situation.
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  • #7 16698048
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics  
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    mawerix123 wrote:


    And why too shallow furrow and not too thin layer of plaster :?:

    It depends on whether the installation is done on a raw state or renovation with already existing plaster.

    mawerix123 wrote:
    and whose fault the electrician here did not want to cram the wires for free, the plasterer that went down the price saving on material or an investor who unfortunately wanted to save :?:

    And in the regulations, what is the minimum layer of plaster covering the cable?
    Who will be the fault? You know that an electrician is always to blame :D
  • #8 16698065
    mawerix123
    Level 39  
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    Łukasz-O wrote:
    It depends on whether the installation is done on a raw state or renovation with already existing plaster.


    I think we are dealing here with a relatively new investment

    daniel92-m wrote:
    after plastering and painting


    Łukasz-O wrote:
    You know that an electrician is always to blame


    Well, finally, the electrician breaks the wire ......... through too thin plaster ;)

    So I referred to the criticism that the cable was located in a too shallow furrow.
  • #9 16698075
    Łukasz-O
    Admin of electroenergetics  
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    I don't know, in principle, the eyes we write here.
    The cable should be covered with a minimum of 5mm plaster. No matter if there are grooves in brick, concrete or plaster.
  • #10 16698080
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #11 16698140
    djlukas
    Level 27  
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    I once had a case that wires could be seen in places. Of course, according to the plasterer, the electrician's fault because he didn't get the wires.
    So with the owner I showed the recipe for these 5mm plaster coverings, then on the plaster bag I showed the record "plaster layer min. 8mm ....." I took the caliper and stuck it in the plaster, proving that there were 3mm plaster each.
    The owner ordered to lay an additional layer under the threat of not paying for the work. :-)

    Since then, in order to avoid such situations, I always stay under wires and have peace of mind.
  • #12 16700651
    wada

    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
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    You have also forgotten about the fault of the painter or developer who did not cover the plaster with an unigrunt or at least a priming paint (Śnieżka grunt - or something similar)

    And the worst when he painted the wall first with some cheap chalk paint (Single, or other crap to mask the plasterer's deficiencies), then the next paint starts to crack, or you do burchle and then paint patches fall down, and most often along the lines of the wires where it often stays a bit air and the hoses additionally heat up slightly, and often on such a "One" another artist will apply coats and paint them :D
    Company Account:
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    Wagonowa 34, Wrocław, 52-231 | Company Website: literyzmetalu.pl
  • #13 16700664
    kkas12
    Level 43  
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    Not true.
    It is not a matter of paint but a thin layer of gypsum plaster covering the wire.
    The era of p / t wiring is coming to an end no matter how hard it is to imagine.
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  • #14 16700926
    Klosu92
    Level 15  
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    kkas12 wrote:

    The era of p / t wiring is coming to an end no matter how hard it is to imagine.


    Could your friend explain what he meant?
  • #15 16700965
    michcio
    Electrician specialist  
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    Walls built today are so even that sometimes you could practically give up plaster and apply the same finish. The plasters themselves are also becoming thinner (because there is no need for them to be thicker), hence there is simply nothing to hide the wires in and you need to cut furrows.
  • #16 16700981
    elpapiotr
    Electrician specialist  
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    michcio wrote:
    Walls built today are so even that sometimes you could practically give up plaster and apply the same finish. The plasters themselves are also becoming thinner (because there is no need for them to be thicker), hence there is simply nothing to hide the wires in and you need to cut furrows.

    And for someone who has a wall chaser, no problem to do such a thing.
  • #17 16701070
    kkas12
    Level 43  
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    Klosu92 wrote:
    Could your friend explain what he meant?
    Exactly what I wrote and what colleagues explained.
  • #18 16701113
    wada

    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
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    The electrician should be notified in advance of any structural, organic, silicate, plaster, plasterboard, tile, glass and other cladding plasters in order to make furrows, which should even be plastered. And not as it often happens that after the fact and then reworking, combining and cutting because the corners lack the wire.
    And furrowing also means additional costs, a furrow chaser, a vacuum cleaner, disposal of debris, and plastering.
    And I met in several institutions that special soft PVC troughs were pressed into the furrows (without plastering, screwing ...), and in that the cables were laid and after closing they almost flush with the wall and all these modern technologies were imposed on it - but it was also appropriate expense.

    But this topic is "Traces on the wall of the wires" and probably applies to the old technology of thick plasters, and what is more interesting now many people are fisia on EKO and puts old type sand-lime plasters.
    Company Account:
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    Wagonowa 34, Wrocław, 52-231 | Company Website: literyzmetalu.pl
  • #19 16701615
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #20 16701645
    Krzysztof Reszka
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl  
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    Topic to close due to lack of interest from the author.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers on the visibility of wire traces on walls after plastering and painting, primarily attributed to insufficient plaster coverage over electrical cables. Key issues include the use of too thin plaster layers (less than the recommended minimum of 5mm) and shallow furrows for wire placement. Solutions proposed include applying a transparent matte oil paint over the affected areas and ensuring proper plaster thickness during installation. Participants also mention the importance of notifying electricians about wall structures to facilitate proper furrowing and the potential use of soft PVC troughs for wire placement. The conversation highlights the need for quality materials and adherence to installation standards to prevent future issues.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Wall “wire ghosting” appears when plaster cover is too thin; 5 mm is the minimum. "The cable should be covered with a minimum of 5mm plaster." Spot-fix with oil-based stain block and repaint, or chase and re-plaster. [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, post #16698075]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps homeowners and electricians diagnose and fix visible cable lines after plastering/painting without guesswork.

Quick Facts

What causes wire traces on a wall after plastering and painting?

A too-thin plaster cover over the cable causes ghosting. Shallow chases leave little material above the wire. Uneven finishing accentuates the line after painting. The fix is either adding cover or sealing and repainting. [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, post #16697434]

Is better cable insulation enough to stop ghosting?

No. Cable insulation does not replace proper cover. You need at least 5 mm of plaster above the cable to avoid telegraphing through the finish. Improve the substrate, not just the cable. [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, post #16698075]

What minimum plaster cover should I plan over embedded cables?

Plan for at least 5 mm of plaster above every cable run. This applies whether you chase brick, concrete, or plaster. "The cable should be covered with a minimum of 5mm plaster." [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, post #16698075]

How do I fix visible cable lines without re-chasing the wall?

Use the paint-seal method.
  1. Spot-seal the marks with white matte oil paint.
  2. Let it cure fully.
  3. Repaint the area with your wall color. This blocks bleed-through and reduces visibility. [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, post #16697434]

Do I need to chase walls in new builds with very flat surfaces?

Often yes. Modern walls are flatter and finished with thinner coats, leaving too little depth to bury cables. "Walls built today are so even... plasters are also becoming thinner... you need to cut furrows." [Elektroda, michcio, post #16700965]

Who is at fault when wires show through—the electrician, plasterer, or client?

Responsibility follows the spec. One case showed only 3 mm of plaster despite an 8 mm minimum on the bag; the owner required an extra coat. Verify thickness on-site and enforce stated minimums. [Elektroda, djlukas, post #16698140]

Can heat from loaded circuits make the lines appear more?

Yes. Heavily loaded circuits can warm the plaster, especially gypsum, making cable runs "shine" through when cover is thin. Improve cover and load planning to mitigate. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16698080]

Should I prime before painting to avoid cracks along cable paths?

Yes. A proper primer or ground coat improves adhesion and reduces cracking, especially where small air gaps exist over conduits. Skipping primer increases failure risk along those lines. [Elektroda, wada, post #16700651]

What is a wall chaser, and why use one?

A wall chaser is a power tool that cuts straight, dust-managed grooves for cables. It lets you create adequate depth quickly so cables sit flush before plastering. With a chaser, the task is straightforward. [Elektroda, elpapiotr, post #16700981]

How much might chasing gear and consumables cost?

Example costs cited: wall chaser about PLN 2,000 net; a suitable vacuum roughly similar; dust bags about PLN 20 each; 150 mm blades are pricier than 125 mm options. Budget for tools, debris handling, and plastering. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16701615]

What if my plaster layer over cables measures only 3 mm?

It is below spec and likely to telegraph. One installer proved 3 mm with calipers against an 8 mm bag minimum; the owner ordered another coat. Measure, document, and require correction. [Elektroda, djlukas, post #16698140]

Does paint choice alone solve wire ghosting?

No. Paint quality cannot compensate for inadequate cover. The root cause is a thin gypsum layer over the cable, not the finish paint. Increase plaster thickness or properly chase first. [Elektroda, kkas12, post #16700664]

Will chasing always be necessary as plasters get thinner?

Increasingly yes. As coats thin, there is less material to hide surface-set cables. Plan chases so final cover meets the 5 mm guideline after finishing. [Elektroda, michcio, post #16700965]

Is there a quick checklist to prevent ghosting before closing walls?

Yes. Confirm chase depth accommodates cable plus ≥5 mm cover. Prime before finish coats. Inspect several spots with calipers before painting. These steps prevent costly rework. [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, post #16698075]
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